About this problem
Engine stalling while driving means the engine cuts out without warning, often at low speed or when coming to a stop. Power steering and brake assist get heavier when the engine stops, so a stall in traffic is dangerous. Common causes include transmission and fuel system faults and failing electrical modules, and some of these vehicles have recalls or software fixes.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Jeep Compass since 2012, 780 (25.6%) describe engine stalling while driving, making it the most reported problem we track on the Compass. The reports cluster on the 2016, 2018 and 2019 model years, and the 2018 drew the most, with 314. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 13,000 and 64,000 miles. 10 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 6 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Compass owners report the engine shutting off while driving, at highway ramps and at lights, with many warning lights. The 2018 drew the most reports. Causes include the stop-start system, low oil and, on 2020 and 2021 cars, false coolant temperature readings.
How it gets fixed
Dealers update software, test the battery and check oil level. Faulty coolant sensors or thermostats are replaced.
Typical cost: Most fixes cost $150 to $500.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Recall on 2016 Jeep Compass from may 9th- july 15 the crankshaft , camshaft sensor may only work intermittingly causing engine to stall."
2016 Jeep Compass, 67,000 miles
"Starting about 4-5 months ago, when coming to a stop or taking off from a stop (could be a light or stop sign) the parking brake would activate on its own, making the car stall."
2018 Jeep Compass, 34,000 miles
"Leased this car brand new. At 60 miles on odometer, went to start car, car turned started but then stalled/turned off instantly. Had to wait a few minutes to start again."
2019 Jeep Compass, 250 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, and model year 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured January 1, 2015, to May 11, 2015.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 J
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins
Jeep has sent dealers 56 bulletins that mention this problem on the Compass. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
CLOCKSPRING Steering Column Control Module Before replacing the steering column control module (SCCM), please follow these steps: 1.- Make sure all the switches' and airbag's harness are properly connected, disconnect the switc...
Underhood start/stop safety The customer may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.
Not applicable to vehicles built for US market.
Before replacing any parts please refer to SOL S2518000008 if it applies to the vehicle you are working on based on a VIN search in Service Library.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Radar Vertical Misalignment Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): C14A4-00 - Sensor...
Transmission Harness Wiring Rubbing Against PCM Sharp Edge Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.
Government investigations
Engineering analysis EA21002 · 2012–2016 · opened Sep 2021
Recall query RQ22002 · 2015, 2016 · opened Jul 2022, closed Jun 2025
Before you buy a Compass
- Let the car idle for several minutes and pull away from stops a few times; watch for stalling or warning lights.
- Ask whether software updates have been done and check by VIN for open recalls.
- Have the battery tested; weak batteries cause many shutdowns on cars with stop-start.
Questions
Which Jeep Compass years have engine stalling while driving?
Complaints are highest for the 2016, 2018, 2019 model years. The 2018 drew the most, with 314 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 37,000 miles, and half reported it between 13,000 and 64,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Most fixes cost $150 to $500.